To: elp-digest-web@reluctant.com From: JD Subject: Concert Review Date: 8/17/98 10:16 PM August 15 1998 Pine Knob Music Theatre About your reviewer: JD is a 40 yr old Maintenance Engineer with a large automotive parts manufacturer. In the early 80's I was a Sound Engineer for a progressive rock duo called BUSKER. BUSKER performed many ELP tunes, including, Lucky Man, Tiger in the Spotlight, Hoedown, Fanfare encore (incl. Rondo, America) and at one point in time even Karn Evil 9 3rd impression, in bars no less!! I have seen ELP 6 times (the first with the orchestra in Cobo Hall), Asia with Carl on the original tour and ELPowell. On with the show!!! I had hoped to get a video of this concert [...] but minutes before the band took the stage, a security guy spotted my camera and escorted me to the gate so I could return it to my truck. [...] However, due to the timing of this most unfortunate security interuption, I missed the first song "Crossing the Rubicon" and half of KE9 1st imp. pt2. That is where I came in. The first full song I heard was Hoedown. It started off true to everytime they've played it. Then, instead of a synth solo, yup, you've read it before, Keith does a short harmonica solo followed by the ribbon synth bit complete with blue fireworks shot from the end. After the song was done Keith announced the name of the piece was Hoedown and then added "Slow down the Hoedown" and the whole band shared a laugh. Next was Time and a Place. Keith very carefully counted in the intro. There was going to be no speed rock here. Steady and consistant was the order of the night. It's so easy to run away with these tunes, but the boys would have none of that tonight. The arrangement was faithful to the album (CD) version but in a lower key to suit Greg's aging pipes. Don't get me wrong. I love his voice. But as time wears on, all singers eventually bring the music to them. It was a pleasure to hear them explore other facets of their roots. Knife Edge followed, with Carl filling the spaces with intricate diddlings as only he does so well. this piece was sharp as it ever was with a thundering drum sound and some nice organ work during the bridge. Text book ELP for sure. The sound quality of this show was excellent. I was 10th row centre ("center" for my American neighbours) and lovin' every minute of it! Keith was featured next with variations on his Piano Concert no.1 pt 3. Looking around before he began, he noticed he was missing something. "Got anything to sit on?" he asked "Other than your face" The crowed went nuts. Finally the stool arrived and to work he went. A strong left hand led the way with the right hand playing something reminiscent of An American in Paris. He played around his own themes with the familiarity of an old friend dancing with a lost love. It was hard not to hear the orchestra behind the piano. An excellent outing and not one lick of Creole Dance, Thank God! Next up was Greg's solo. Classic Cest La Vie with Keith joining in for the accordian bit wearing a baret. Then fininshing off on the song as a three piece with strings and cymbals. What would an ELP concert be without Lucky Man? Probably a disappointment. Even though we've all heard it a million times we just have to hear it again. And this time was a shear pleasure. Performed as a three piece from the start, and with the echo back on Greg's vocals for "He was..." Keith played a little gospel organ for the bridge to give this classic song a unique feel. The sub sonic bass synth at the end of the solo shook the meat right off my bones. Of course every ELP show must have it's concept piece. And in the recent pass these have been medleys or abridged versions of Tarkus or Pictures. Not tonight! The full Monty!! Tarkus from start to finish. These guys played with all the strength and determination of their 70's selves. A great jazzy interlude during the bridge of Stones of Years moving into an organ solo that would have made Lee Michaels proud. Then back to the piano for some nice treats. Mass, Manticore and Battlefield were true to form then on to Aquatarkus for a deadly organ and synth dual with leslies in full force. The piece has one of the greatest pompous ending I've ever heard, and tonight was no exception. 48 minutes and 50 seconds since I had returned to my seat the band said thanks and good night. Yea, right! Encore time!!! 15 minutes of what I have affectionately named "The Heinz 50 Fanfare". Opened with the fanfare trumpets, they moved right into 21st Century Schizoid Man. No surprises here, just a little something new. Into Fanfare proper then onto Rondo with the machine gun double kick that makes you think Carl has three legs. Bumble Boogie followed by, whats that? the Excorsist? Possibly Damiens theme? This is where Carl showed his wares. Consistantly the best drum solo around. I know, I know. It doesn't change that much from year to year to year. And yes he did the kick / midi'd tamborine thing but what the hell. To tell you the truth, I felt sorry for Deep Purple's drummer when he played his little solo. The band came back to full strength for Retro-Fugue (played backwards, get it) then back to Rondo with those machine gun kicks a blaring. I can't believe it's over. I'll be watching the net for info as to when our boys will be doing their own headlining tour cause I just can't get enough!!! Oh yea, Dream Theater was good, although their drummer has a nasty habit of spitting. On his singer, on Carl's kit (good thing it was covered) and on the audience. Am I getting too old or is that hip now? Deep Purple was LOUD LOUD LOUD. I had my ear plugs in as they took the stage but they played great. All in all, a good time was had by all. Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends... Ladies and Gentlemen ELP have left the building. JD